Here Westbridge Academy will be posting communications, announcements and documents related to the evolving COVID-19 public health response. Please check regularly for additional updates and announcements.
August 30, 2022 – Westbridge Academy Health-Related Closure Plan 2022-23 [PDF]
January 9, 2022
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Over the last few weeks, we had a substantial increase in both confirmed positive and suspected COVID-19 cases, as well as verified on-campus spread of COVID-19. The elevated rates of positive cases and illness continue to have a detrimental impact upon staff and student attendance. Any student or staff that has been in close contact with these individuals has been notified and any unvaccinated close contacts have been quarantined.
To safeguard the health and safety of the school community, Westbridge Academy will continue to remain on all remote learning beginning Monday, January 10, 2022. We expect to re-open our school for in person learning on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Classroom teachers will reach out with relevant information pertaining to virtual instruction.
We appreciate your patience and understanding related to this matter. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact your child’s case manager.
Thank you,
Abraham Mathew
Principal
January 2, 2022
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Over the last few weeks, we had a substantial increase in both confirmed positive and suspected COVID-19 cases, as well as verified on-campus spread of COVID-19. The elevated rates of positive cases and illness continue to have a detrimental impact upon staff and student attendance. Any student or staff that has been in close contact with these individuals has been notified and any unvaccinated close contacts have been quarantined.
To safeguard the health and safety of the school community, Westbridge Academy will move to all-remote learning beginning Monday, January 3, 2022. We expect to re-open our school for in-person learning on Monday, January 10, 2022. Classroom teachers will reach out with relevant information pertaining to virtual instruction.
We appreciate your patience and understanding related to this matter. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact your child’s case manager.
Thank you,
Abraham Mathew
Principal
August 23, 2021 – Westbridge Academy 2021-22 Remote Instruction Plan [PDF]
August 23, 2021 – Governor’s Executive Order to Require Either Proof of Vaccination or Regular Testing of all School Employees. Governor Phil Murphy today announced that he will soon issue an executive order requiring public employees in New Jersey, including school employees, to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or to undergo regular testing for COVID-19 during the upcoming school year.
August 6, 2021 – Governor Murphy Announces Indoor Mask Requirement for Beginning of 2021-2022 School Year. Today New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order 251, requiring all public, private, and parochial preschool programs and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools (collectively “school districts”), to maintain a policy regarding mandatory use of face masks by staff, students, and visitors in the indoor portion of the school district premises. Read Executive Oder No. 251 >>
June 4, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Legislation and Executive Order Ending COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation (A5820/S3866) enabling the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that has been in place since March 9, 2020. Immediately following the signing of the legislation, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 244, ending the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Under the legislation, the majority of executive orders issued pursuant to the Public Health Emergency will expire 30 days from June 4, 2021. The legislation keeps the following 14 executive orders in place until January 1, 2022, though they can be modified or rescinded prior to that date by the Governor: EO106, EO111, EO112, EO123, EO127, EO150, EO159, EO170, EO178, EO207, EO229, EO233, EO237, and EO242.
May 14, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read NJ Executive Order No. 240 now
April 15, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read NJ Executive Order No. 235 now
March 31, 2021
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Please be reminded that school will be CLOSED Friday, April 2, 2021 through Friday, April 9, 2021 due to Spring Recess.
Additionally, in an abundance of caution, the school building will remain CLOSED Monday, April 12, 2021 through Monday, April 26, 2021 while students are instructed remotely.
The school building will open for in person instruction on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 following the 2020-2021 Hybrid School Calendar.
Please resume transportation on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis
Executive Director
March 23, 2021 – NJDOH Updates Guidance on Reopening Schools. This new NJDOH guidance document updates NJDOH COVID-19 public health recommendations for school settings, and is intended primarily for use by local health departments (LHDs) in assessing risks and school-related responses Read the new guidelines now
March 19, 2021 – CDC Revises Pandemic Physical Distancing Guidelines in Schools. CDC today revised its school opening guidelines, confirming that students can be spaced 3 feet apart in classrooms. Under the new guidelines, physical distancing of at least 3 feet between students can safely be adopted in classroom settings where mask use is universal and other prevention measures are taken. The new guidelines help ensure that more schools, especially those for which space limitations have restricted in-school instruction, will be able to reopen. Read the new guidelines now
March 17, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read NJ Executive Order No. 231 now
February 25, 2021
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Due to the recent string of snowstorms which have prompted the postponement of a series of staff trainings necessary for in-person instruction, the Westbridge Academy start date for in-person instruction is now targeted to begin on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. An adjusted 2020-2021 school calendar is posted on our calendar page now.
Westbridge Academy will continue to provide instruction remotely during this time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s case manager at (973)429-8110.
Thank you,
Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis
Executive Director
February 17, 2021 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read NJ Executive Order No. 222 now
February 12, 2021 – CDC Releases New K-12 School Operational Strategy to Support In-person Instruction. Read the full CDC guidelines update now.
January 22, 2021 – NJDOH Releases New COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines for Schools. Read the new guidelines now.
January 21, 2021 – Safe Re-Opening of Schools Included in New National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. Read National Strategy now.
January 19, 2021 – Executive Order Allowing Flexibility for Schools Related to Graduation Assessment and Certifications for Substitute Teachers. Read NJ Executive Order No. 214.
January 13, 2020
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Due to increasing Covid-19 related public health safety concerns, the Westbridge Academy start date for in-person instruction is now targeted to begin on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. An adjusted 2020-2021 school calendar is attached.
Westbridge Academy will continue to provide instruction remotely during this time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s case manager at (973) 429-8110.
Thank you,
Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis
Executive Director
November 25, 2020
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Please note that due to increasing COVID-19 related public health safety concerns, the start date for in-person instruction is now targeted to begin on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
An adjusted 2020-2021 School Calendar was emailed today, and is now posted on our Calendar page.
Westbridge Academy will continue to provide instruction remotely during this time.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact your child’s case manager at (973) 429-8110.
Thank you,
Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis
Executive Director
November 22, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read NJ Executive Order No. 200 now.
October 27, 2020
Subject: Update from Westbridge Academy: Start Date for In-Person Instruction
Dear Westbridge Academy Community,
Please note that due to a required electrical upgrade the start date for in-person instruction is now targeted to begin on Tuesday December 1, 2020. An adjusted 2020-2021 school calendar is under development and will be provided to you shortly. Westbridge Academy will continue to provide instruction remotely during this time. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your child’s case manager at (973) 429-8110.
From November 2, 2020 to November 20, 2020, meals will not be served at the school. However, you may choose to visit our Food Services page for locations of SSO providers near your town that will serve meals. Please ensure your meal applications have been sent to the school for eligibility.
Thank you,
Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis
Executive Director
October 24, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 191 Now.
September 25, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 186 Now.
September 1, 2020
Dear Westbridge Academy Families,
Please note the following UPDATE to Westbridge Academy’s Reopening Plan:
Remote learning will be in place through at least November 9, 2020 and we will continue to re-assess as the target date approaches.
Your child’s case manager will be in contact with you to discuss further and to answer any questions you might have.
Lastly, you will receive school forms that will contain an amended calendar. Please fill out the forms and return in the self-addressed envelope.
Sincerely,
Westbridge Academy Restart Committee
August 28, 2020
Remote learning will be in place through at least November 9, 2020, and we will continue to re-assess as the target date approaches.
August 27, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 180 Now.
August 13, 2020 – New Jersey Schools to Open for In-Person Instruction Subject to Critical Health and Safety Protocols. Read Executive Order 175 Now.
August 1, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 171 Now.
July 30, 2020
Dear Westbridge Academy Families and Staff,
With the reopening of school being weeks away, we appreciate your support and patience as we work toward reopening our school building in September. We understand that this has been an unprecedented time for many of our students, their families, and our staff. Throughout this crisis we have been inspired by the resilience we have witnessed from our entire school community.
The Westbridge Academy plan accounts for resuming in-person instruction. Scheduling decisions have been informed by careful evaluation of the health and safety standards and the most up to date guidance from New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), as well as the input of our stakeholders about the needs of all students and the realities of each unique district that we serve.
As Westbridge Academy begins implementing in-person and hybrid learning models, we are prepared to shift back to virtual learning models if circumstances change and those guidelines can no longer be met.
Starting in September virtual classes will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there will be an in-person alternating A/B schedule from 8:50am to 1:10pm.
As we prepare for resuming in-person instruction, Westbridge Academy will be nimble in order to adjust our plans when new guidelines and laws on the local, state, and federal levels emerge.
Thank you for your support and patience during these challenging times. We will provide you with additional updates through the Honeywell Instant Alert System. Westbridge Academy is committed to ensuring that everyone’s safety, well-being and educational needs are being met.
Sincerely,
Westbridge Academy Restart Committee
July 2, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 162 Now.
June 17, 2020 – Notice Regarding Westbridge Academy’s Extended School Year Program, Summer 2020
With student and staff safety at the forefront of our decision and as the school building undergoes many new improvements in preparation for the future, our Extended School Year program will be conducted remotely starting on July 6.
Our devoted staff will utilize school issued TracFones, Chromebooks and Google Classroom to provide access to school over the summer and to address summer learning loss.
Our summer program will be fun, student centered and exploratory. Our staff look forward to presenting a virtual magic show and reptile show as well as presenting our very own renditions of two largely popular television shows: Westbridge Academy Shark Tank and a Westbridge Academy Got Talent.
We look forward to your participation!!!
June 4, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 151 Now.
May 29, 2020 – Regarding Operation of in-person summer camps and Extended school Year (ESY) Programs. Read Executive Order 149 Now.
May 19, 2020 – Westbridge Academy Public Health Related school Closure Plan (Updated May 19, 2020) [PDF]
May 6, 2020 – Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey. Read Executive Order 138 Now.
NJDOE Resources for Families: Supporting the Emotional Well-Being of Students – This NJ Department of Education page contains a wide range of resources for families that will help support the emotional and mental health needs of children during the coronavirus response.
May 4, 2020 – Governor Announces Schools Will Remain Closed for Remainder of the School Year
Governor Murphy announced today that all NJ school buildings will remain closed for in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 School year. All students and faculty will continue with remote learning. Private schools with longer academic years will remain closed until at least June 30th. Executive Order #104 signed on March 16th, which closed schools indefinitely, remains in effect.
CLICK HERE for a list of districts providing free and reduced breakfast and lunch pickup, locations and times during this period of closure.
STUDENTS AND FAMILIES: CLICK HERE for class-by-class distance learning activity lists.
April 16, 2020 – NJ Governor Phil Murphy Extends School Closures Through May 15, 2020
April 7, 2020 – NJ Governor Phil Murphy Extends Public Health Emergency for Another 30 days. Read Executive Order 119 Now.
April 7, 2020 – NJ Governor Phil Murphy Signs Executive Order Waiving Student Assessment Requirements for 2019-2020. Read Executive Order 117 Now.
March 26, 2020 – Letter from Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D, Commissioner of Education, re: Continued School Closures [PDF]. Excerpt: “…as noted in the Governor’s daily press briefing today, the decision to reopen schools lies squarely with Governor Murphy. We do not intend to assess the reopening of schools until at least April 17, 2020, at the earliest.”
March 25, 2020 – Westbridge Academy Distance Learning Plan [PDF]
March 21, 2020 – Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses. Read Executive Order 107 Now.
March 20, 2020 – Westbridge Academy is posting information from our partner public school districts about the availability of free and reduced lunch during this period of school closure, and will update it as additional information becomes available. Please CLICK HERE for our most current list of districts, pickup locations and times.
March 18, 2020 – Information from Comcast/Xfinity regarding the availability of Internet access for low income families and increased access to all.
March 17, 2020 – While our students are learning at home, we’ll be posting “Afternoon Chats” with Westbridge Academy Principal, Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis, for students and their families. CLICK HERE for these video chats on this website. You can also find these video posts on our Facebook page.
March 16, 2020 – Governor Murphy Announces Aggressive Social Distancing Measures to Mitigate Further Spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey, Closes NJ Schools, Executive Order No. 104.
“All public, private, and parochial preschool program premises, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, shall be closed to students beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and shall remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect.”
March 14, 2020 – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update: Dear Westbridge Academy Community – Due to the most recent information we have received regarding COVID-19 and communication with the New Jersey Department of Health, Bloomfield Department of Health and our sending school districts, Westbridge Academy will close the school to students starting Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27, 2020. Please note, further updates will be provided as information becomes available. In providing continuity to our students, individual student work packets will be mailed to student homes tomorrow. Please call (973) 429-8110 with questions or requests for support.
March 14, 2020 – 2-Week Closing Due to COVID-19
March 13, 2020 – WBA Unique Concerns Regarding Coronavirus Closure Considerations
March 12, 2020 – WBA Public Health-Related Closure Plan
March 12, 2020 – Westbridge Academy Distance Learning Plan
March 9, 2020 – Governor Murphy declares a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency. Read Executive Order 103 Now.
March 6, 2020 – Westbridge Academy School Health Related Closure Plan Cleanliness Protocol